White Christmas

We didn't go out in the snow because Betsy Grace woke up with a terrible cold but here are some pics :)

Our pretty tree and the view outside

Our house

Our street

We will remember this FOREVER!

xoxo

It's Christmas!!!!

This was Betsy Grace's first Christmas where she actually got into it. I wouldn't say that she "gets" the fact that it is Jesus' birthday or the idea of Santa but wrapping paper, our tree, all the lights and lots of toys sure got her attention :) Santa brought BG a stroller for her babies, among other things but we knew she would be most excited about and we were right! These pictures say a thousand words...

Just catching sight of it...

...HUGE smile...

...busy momma taking care of her baby :)

I think she was wanting more of that Moravian Sugar Cake :)

We started something new this year and stayed at our house on Christmas morning and every minute was divine! Our little family had such special time together...Mac made a fire, we lounged in our pjs, opened presents...I wouldn't trade that memory for anything! The a little bit later, B, SanSan and Aunt Lou Lou came over to have a little breakfast and exchange gifts. As always, Betsy Grace got completely spoiled and we all had fun watching her get into all her new goodies. My dad came over around lunch time, so we got all of my family in before we headed to the Barksdales mid afternoon and then to the Tucks later. We are SO blessed to have all of our family in the same city, so we can squeeze in everyone on the same day. It might be a whirlwind of activity but it's awesome!

Here are Macon and BG, obsessed with all of the "singing toys" that JJ has.

There is something about Isabelle that is so huggable and Betsy Grace cannot get enough!

She loves to love, love, love :)

Isabelle is looking up at her mommy saying "HELP"

Our night ended with full tummies, souls fill of Christmas Spirit and memories that will last a life time...oh yeah, and SNOW!

Our first white Christmas, how magical!!!

xoxo

Christmas Eve Pajama Breakfast

Christmas Eve is my favorite day. I love the family time, our church service, the anticipation of the next day...the whole bit is delightful! This year we started a new tradition and had a Christmas Eve pajama breakfast with the Brosseau's. We had scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit and Moravian Sugar Cake...yummy! It was wonderful to be with dear friends on such a special day, I don't know who had more fun, the parents or the kids :)

Here's our tree...gotta love the ornaments piled on the top and scarce at the bottom:)

Betsy Grace really fancied those ornaments!

Is there really anything better than Moravian Sugar Cake?!?!

Parker, Betsy Grace and Philip...these three love each other!

We went to church at 3:00 that afternoon, went to the Barksdale's for a little while and then headed to B and SanSan's for Christmas Eve Dinner with all the McPhails. Mommy and Daddy didn't bring their camera, so there are no pics but a good time was had by all :)

xoxo

Meeting Brooks

Mac's sister Frances and her family came in town last weekend and we finally got to meet the newest member of the clan, Brooks! He is definitely a 3rd child, completely chill and content and I loved holding him! Even though Betsy Grace is the smallest baby I have ever held, I am continuously shocked by how small newborns are...so funny how you forget so quickly! Their tiny mouths, little hands, bottoms no bigger than a minute and cries that even at the highest octave, are not that loud. He is so sweet and I can't wait to get my hands on him again at Christmas!!!

Here are all the kiddos in the Barksdale/Tuck Family

L-R (Isabelle, Caden, Hill, Macon, Jim, Betsy Grace, Lauren, Brooks)

What a crew!

There has never been a baby that does not melt right into Butch's lap.

Babies LOVE him!!!

I am sure that Butch is filling Brooks up with all his stories :)

Betsy Grace LOVED being with her cousins and got so riled up that night! In fact, she wouldn't go to bed, despite the fact that it was 2 hours past her bedtime and then we were up every hour until about 2 am. Children are so funny, they don't want to miss a beat and even though mommy and daddy were very weary the next day, I wouldn't trade her time with her cousins for anything! Know it will be the same in a couple of weeks, guess I will rest up between now and then :)

xoxo

Picking our Tree

Today is one of my most favorite days of the year...the day we get our Christmas tree. There is something magical about getting in the spirit, gathering the family and this year, friends and heading out to find that "perfect one"! Betsy Grace was WAY more into it this year than last and it was so much fun to see her navigate through the Christmas tree forest. We met the Brosseaus and the Harrells at Brueggers for a little breakfast and then all 3 families headed to the lot. We were looking for a skinny one to go in our den, the Harrells were looking for a tall one and the Brosseaus were in search of a fat one...in the end we all found what we were looking for, within a couple of stops :) It is so much fun to start Christmas traditions with little ones!

Betsy Grace LOVES the way that Christmas trees feel,

mommy LOVES the way they smell!!!

Here it is, the perfect tree!

Family Pic, BG was not happy to be picked up,

she wanted to roam on her own!

The kiddos (L-R)

Philip, Betsy Grace, Parker and Holden

xoxo

Somebody's excited....

...about Christmas!!!

Happy Friday!

xoxo

Wonderful Thanksgiving!

We had the most wonderful Thanksgiving this year. It was a bit different with the Tucks not here but we switched things around and hosted a small Barksdale-Corder gathering at our house for lunch. It was just 10 of us but it was lovely and relaxing. There was great food, fabulous company and good football on TV for the boys :) The highlight of the day was the phone being passed around and getting to talk to Janelle! Hearing her voice brought tears to my eyes and we can't wait to see her soon, now that she and the boys are in Charlotte...she is truely the greatest blessing this Thanksgiving!

Here is our little family...pre-feast :)

Sweet Isabelle drinking out of a water glass like a big girl!

The "hostess with the mostess"

Our little family...post-feast :)

Mommy and Daddy are looking a little stuffed and tired!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Can't stay seated for long

Thanksgiving is SO MUCH FUN!

Then, we went to Round 2 at B and SanSan's. Because most everyone had already had one Thanksgiving meal, Mom thought it would be nice to have appetizers and turkey sandwiches. It was perfect because we were all in the grazing mood. We all went around and told our favorite Thanksgiving memory and it was so fun to hear everyone's stories, especially since we are a blended family. I was most impressed with Grandmommy, who has the most incredible memory of her childhood and young adult days.

Here is the big family pic :)

And how could I forget the delicious dessert that we made!

Pumpkin Muffins with Homemade Cream Cheese Icing...yummmmmm!

Icing them was a group effort...Mac went behind me, making sure that every cupcake had the perfect amount of icing.

(Haines is probably dying laughing at right now...it's way harder than it looks!)

And when all was said and done, we were all pooped.

Here's our little muffin, fading fast!

Hope you all had the most wonderful holiday with family and friends! We are so blessed to be surrounded by so many parents, siblings and grandparents and it was so special to share the day with our loved ones!

Now on to the next holiday!!! Our plan is to get our tree tomorrow and start decking the halls, I can hardly stand it! What a magical time of year!

xoxo

Our little Turkey

This pic is a little blurry but too funny not to share! Mommy and Daddy went to NYC this past weekend and Betsy Grace got double spoiled by both sets of grandparents. She stayed with Ellie and Brun for the first 2 days and then went to B and SanSan's for the weekend. Everyone had a blast and we are so thankful for wonderful parents who lovingly took care of our little turkey, we were relaxed and had a wonderful time away knowing that she was in the best hands! This pic was taken by SanSan at the Greene's house. Gobble Gobble :)

Cousin Love

Sweet girls in matching outfits :)

xoxo

Back in action

I apologize for not updating in a while, we have had a lot going on but have been so blessed to be the witnesses of so many miracles!

Our first miracle was born last Friday, his name is Brooks McClung Tucker and he is the son of Mac's sister Frances and her husband Eric. He entered the world quickly and is perfect in every way! We love him so much already and we can't wait to meet you Brooks!

Our second miracle is Janelle, praise God! (If you haven't heard her story, find the link on my last blog post) 10 days ago, we got a terrible call claiming that she might not make it through the night. It was a Thursday and it truely was one of the most restless nights we have ever endured. But we prayed our hearts out and by the grace of God, she not only made it through the night but by the end of the day on Friday, she was really improving. Janelle continues to successfully jump medical hurdles and each day is more encouraging than the last. Our hearts are overflowing with joy and love for Janelle and all of our family and friends. God is so Good!

And last but not least, our third miracle is my dad. About a month ago he was diagnosed with Melanoma, in a sunspot on his nose. Although his doctor was confident about a successful outcome through a prolonged procedure called Moh's, we were all scared and huddled around him with love and support. His first procedure was Tuesday and the plan was to have another on Thursday and the following Tuesday. But the good news came when I took him in on Thursday and they said he was clear based on the what they took on Tuesday and they could start reconstruction!!! There is still a lot involved in the healing process but praise God that they were able to "nip it in the bud"!

What a triumphant week...I am constantly reminded of this verse:

"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus," Phil. 1:6

I am so thankful to share these AMAZING works!

Here is Mr. Brooks, love him!

my little book worm, seriously, she could spend all day looking at books :)

Her english major mama is very proud!

Still not walking but taking a few steps...we are just waiting for the bold moment :)

Here she is contemplating how to get over to those toys, walk or crawl?!?

Still one of her favs, Old McDonald and his tractor

xoxo

Sweet Janelle

Mac's cousin, Janelle Hansberger, is enduring the fight of her life as she tries to rid her body of an overwhelming infection. She has the biggest heart, is a devoted and loving mother of 2 and truely is the sweetest person I have ever met! It doesn't seem fair but we are all confident that God's plan surpasses all understanding and He is good, always!!! Please pray for Janelle's healing and protection, the power of prayer is AMAZING!!!

To hear more about Janelle's journey, visit:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/janellehansberger

xoxo

Playgroup Halloween Bash

On Friday we had our playgroup Halloween party and it was a hoot! Claire and Philip hosted and they went all out! The weather was divine and her patio was the perfect setting for a gathering of wild kiddos!

Here is our little Pebbles Flinstone, "B" made her costume:) The plan was to get a bone in her hair but she was not having it...I was shocked that she kept the pigtail in!

And here goes our attempt to take a group shot...

...some were happier than others but we have come a LONG way since last year!

Margaret Blount and Betsy Grace were really good sports!

The boys are out numbered in our group but they seem to hold their own :)

xoxo

Outside in October

These days we are not missing a beat of this awesome fall weather! I love this time of year and so does Betsy Grace. The pumpkins, fall leaves, cool days, windows open, smell of pumpkin bread, Halloween Candy...how could you not love October :)

Looking down at Vince and Sadie from the deck.

"That fern has really long arms!"

So excited it's Fall!!!!

Playing in the grass...

...with my pumpkin, so proud!

Showing off the chompers!

Ghosts that we made...they look A LOT better from far away :)

Lots more pics to come this week as we get festive in our costumes!!!

Happy Halloween!

xoxo